Additional Coverage:
Tensions Flare as India and Pakistan Exchange Drone and Missile Strikes
Overnight and into Thursday, a volley of drone and missile strikes between India and Pakistan escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan’s army spokesperson, Lt.
Gen. Ahmad Sharif, reported that India launched numerous Israeli-made Harop drones, resulting in damage to a military site near Lahore, injuring four soldiers.
Another drone struck near Rawalpindi, close to the capital. Sharif claimed Pakistani forces shot down 25 drones, with falling debris tragically killing one civilian and injuring another in Sindh province.
India, however, offered a different narrative. The government stated that Pakistan initiated the hostilities by attempting to strike military targets in northern and western India with drones and missiles.
These attacks were reportedly neutralized by India’s defense systems. India then retaliated by targeting air defense systems in several locations within Pakistan, including one in Lahore.
Further escalating the conflict, India accused Pakistan of unprovoked firing across the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. India confirmed responding to halt the Pakistani barrage.
Adding to the volatile situation, residents of Jammu, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, reported explosions and sirens late Thursday. Shesh Paul Vaid, former director-general of police for the region, described a city-wide blackout and speculated that Jammu Airport might be under attack, with the explosions possibly indicating that Indian defense systems were engaged.
International concern over the escalating conflict prompted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to communicate with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, urging immediate de-escalation and offering U.S. support for direct dialogue between the two nations. The Secretary also expressed condolences for the reported civilian casualties and called on Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups.
Earlier, President Donald Trump expressed his desire for an end to the conflict and offered his assistance in resolving the crisis. Several U.S. lawmakers also weighed in, urging both sides to de-escalate and pursue diplomatic solutions. Senator Tim Kaine emphasized the need for accountability for the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir and stressed the importance of diplomacy to protect innocent civilians.